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Published Tuesday, June 16, 2009 in Close-Up

Stay safe in the water

It's summer 2009, and everyone is ready for whatever break they can fit into this year's lifestyle, whether it's a day trip, a family vacation, or those long evenings in the backyard with friends by the pool.

What we're really ready for, wherever we are, is that lift of our spirits that comes on the warm breeze; a time to relax for awhile and recharge.

So do it. Take whatever time you can, with one word of caution: Don't let up on water safety. That's the message from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), an international trade association that works with nationally recognized safety groups and federal, state and local governments to ensure that consumers are protected and have the most current information on safety.

With the number of swimming pools in the U.S. now approaching 10 million, it's more important than ever to review water safety rules, especially as they relate to children. Statistics show that children under 5 and teenagers are the most at risk for pool accidents.

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'Be Water Aware'

Pools and water parks are great places for families. You can greatly reduce the chances of you, your friends or family becoming drowning victims or being sickened or injured if you follow a few simple safety tips recommended by APSP and the World Waterpark Association.

* Parents are the first line of defense in keeping kids safe in the water. Never leave children unattended near water, not even for a minute.

* Make sure your kids learn to swim. It's not only a great life-time sport, swimming is a skill that can save their lives.

* Remember, lifeguards are there for everyone in the pool, not just the individual swimmer. Lifeguards are there as a last line of defense when all other layers of protection fail.

* If you or a family member is a weak or non-swimmer, wear a life vest. It's nothing to be embarrassed about.

* Follow posted safety rules and warnings. Teach kids that being safe in and around the water is a personal responsibility - yours and theirs.

* Teach kids not to drink the pool water.

* Avoid swimming when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.

* Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. Learn CPR and be aware of where lifeguards and safety equipment are located.

Learn more about how you and your family can stay safe in the water this summer, visit www.waterparks.com or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's healthy swimming web page at www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming .

Pool Precautions

If you are a pool owner, you know the routine on pool maintenance and equipment, and you practice it every summer.

Here are some reminders from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals:

* Never swim alone. Instead, always observe the buddy system.

* Enforce adult supervision, without distraction.

* Post rules and emergency information.

In order to further protect your loved ones, introduce layers of protection:

* Fencing

* Safety cover

* Alarm

* Rope and float line

* Rescue equipment

* Outside telephone

A new law on suction equipment for pools and spas is in effect this year, with the passage of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

The law applies to public pools/spas and private member facilities such as homeowner associations, co-ops and condominiums. All facilities that fit the definition (private home pools and spas are not included) are required to have the new safety equipment in place before the date they open this year. Public pools and spas built before December 19, 2007, the date the law passed, are not compliant unless they were built without submerged suction outlets, or the suction system has since been modified to comply.

Though not subject to law, residential pool owners should consult a pool service professional to ensure that their drain covers are safe and secure.

Pool and spa suction entrapment became the cause of the family of former Secretary of State James Baker III, following the drowning of his grandchild, Virginia, in 2002. Suction from a spa drain trapped the child underwater.

As part of a broad package of child pool and spa safety legislation, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act) became law in 2007, with the support of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. The act is intended to increase the safety of swimming pools and spas by promoting suction entrapment prevention and layers of protection barrier requirements.

Pool operators and professionals may visit www.APSP.org/VGB to download a comprehensive checklist to help determine compliance and to learn about corrective action.

Local regulations may require additional safeguards. Any pool operator or pool industry professional who is subject to the requirements of the VGB Act should also check local ordinances to make sure they are in compliance.

The Act also encourages each state to adopt entrapment avoidance laws for residential pools and spas and barrier requirements to prevent drowning.